#atlaa

avatarsbalance's atla appreciation (2/??):

In ATLA, there are two instances that which the dragons, Ran and Shaw, appear. The first appearance happens in 'Book 2, Episode 18' during Zuko's nightmare. Ran the red Dragon's voice is of Uncle Iroh, who advises Zuko to run away and not fall asleep. Shaw the Blue Dragon is voiced by Azula who recognizes him as the Fire Lord and urges him to sleep.

The second appearance is in Book 3 episode 13, where Zuko and Aang meet them to understand the nature of fire. Aang insists on dancing with the dragons. Zuko is partnered as Ran, and Aang is partnered as Shaw. The two are judged by the opposite dragon, Shaw inspecting Zuko and Ran inspecting Aang.

Many parallels exist between Zuko and Aang throughout the series, and I believe this is one pivotal storytelling point that describes the parallels of the nature and environment of the two heroes.

Ran, being voiced by Iroh, could be interpreted as a move towards self-discovery and self-destiny. Within Zuko's dream, Ran insists Zuko get's out of there. He dances with Zuko as an indicator that this way only made possible by Zuko leaning into his good nature and own choices. If he had followed Shaw's advice, as within the dream, then he would have failed his forced destiny and predetermined role as the Firelord's son. Even during the judgment aspect, Shaw looks to see if he understands how his given role (newly Aang's firebending teacher) is fit for learning the secrets.

~ SOOOOO many inside jokes

~ A very playful relationship

~ But he's a sweetheart at the end of the day

~ "These flowers reminded me of you, so I picked them"

~ He's so in love with you

~ You're always on his mind

~ He cares more about you than he does himself

~ Always asks if you need anything

~ He just wants to make sure you're well taken care of

~ "Are you hungry?"

~ "Are you cold? Do you want my blanket?"

~ "Are you tired? Do you want to nap?"

~ He wants to make sure you're the happiest you can be'

~ Very selfless

~ Only enough room for one of you to sleep? He'll let you sleep and he'll stay awake

~ When you two can sleep together

~ Not much cuddling ever occurs

~ You push him away in your sleep

~ He tries to cuddle but once you're asleep

~ Your body tries to YEET him away from you

~ Really tries to treat you like a princess

~ Asks Katara for advice

~ But she doesn't mind

~ She adores you

~ Everyone in the group loves you

~ He's a gentleman

~ He is just madly in love with you